Seat Reveals Updated IBE Electric Vehicle Concept

If Seat's recent concepts reflect what we can expect from its future line-up, Volkswagen may soon find its doors beaten down by Australian hopefuls eager to get its Spanish subsidiary back onto the local market.

Following the unveiling of the IBE concept earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, Seat has revealed a new and more complete version of its edgy all-electric hatch.

Weighing in at just 1100kg, the new IBE gets is powered by an electric motor delivering 75kW and 200Nm of torque.

Despite its sporty Alfa-inspired road-chewing looks, the IBE's small motor gives it a relatively slow 0-100km/h time of 9.7 seconds.

More importantly, the IBE gets to 60km/h in around 4 seconds, making it perfect for city driving - the primary function of most electric vehicles.

For those occasional freeway trips, the IBE's top speed is listed as 160km/h. The lithium ion battery pack promises a driving range of around 130km.

As with the original IBE concept, Seat has offered no specific comment on whether this latest version has any future as a production model, but an electric range is definitely 'part of the plan'.

“SEAT is working very hard on future electro-mobility,” James Muir, President of Seat said.

“Following the great success of our highly efficient ECOMOTIVE models, hybrids and electric vehicles are further steps in our clear corporate strategy. And the IBE leaves no room for doubt – the future will find SEAT offering the most innovative, bold and youthful cars in their respective segments, without sacrificing anything in terms of usability.”